Angela D. Coleman, Ìbíyínká Oladojá Oyèwọlá, is a nonprofit executive, social entrepreneur, and scholar-practitioner dedicated to transforming communities through innovation, systems-level thinking, and equity-centered solutions.
How do we manage our holistic health in an ever-expanding digital age? Maintaining our mental, physical, and spiritual well-being is always important, especially during challenging times.
With the expanse of AI, including the well-known negative environmental impacts of AI-driven data centers, we are arguably at the crossroads of saving ourselves and Mother Nature, or destroying it all. The choices we make now will determine the type of future we have, as a planet and as a species.
How do we want to live? How do we want our children and their children to live?
The harms of introducing technology too soon and engaging the developing brains of vulnerable children are still being studied and they have yet to be completely understood. Children are not the only ones who can get hurt in the ever-expanding digital age. Adults are being impacted, as well. We are watching this experiment live in action. Our mental health is at stake.
It took decades for the adverse impacts of social media to become clear to the general public, punctuated by several lawsuits this year where plaintiffs, mainly parents, sued large powerful social media corporations for damages and they are winning. However, even legal confirmation of social media harm has not decreased social media usage, especially among young women and girls. Perhaps we will see big changes in the future as a result of these legal victories where billions of dollars in real and punitive damages are being awarded.
Sisterhood Agenda published Girls Guide: How to Cope With Social Media Addiction in 2023, and it has become even more relevant now. It has always remained critical for girls to maintain their holistic health. Currently, it can be challenging when confronted with the realities of social media and AI.
Ultimately, in theory and putting the addictive nature of social media algorithms aside, the decision to connect or disconnect with online platforms is up to us. This is not necessarily the case with AI.
Used for multiple purposes, AI is being used to complete school assignments and as a substitute for professional counseling and therapy for too many young people. For all ages, AI has been and is constantly being integrated into most of our daily tasks, browsing, customer service, and other information processes. Doing even a simple browser search results in an AI summary, in addition to a list of resources and links.
As nations try to control the use of AI, we have to wonder how AI advancements impact our health and well-being, for of all nations, all ages, and all life on the planet.
While Sisterhood Agenda actively advocates digital equity for all, and recently distributed laptop computers to those most in need towards this goal, we also promote responsible use of technology. Technological innovation can educate and empower us and help to grow community. Conversely, technology can abuse, confuse and distract us from what is truly important. Our uses of technological have gotten infinitely more complex.
Through the interest, knowledge and fun, Sisterhood Agenda keeps holistic health at the forefront to reduce risk and danger for vulnerable users. We are consistently weighting the pros and cons, consciously, subconsciously, and unconsciously. Time will tell what happens next.
Remember when things get too intense on your laptop or cell phone, we can release the tech. Disconnecting to immerse oneself in nature is a healthy habit for daily grounding, relaxation, and peace of mind. Even a 10-minute break can help your mind reset.
What are your concerns about technology and health? We’d love to hear from you.
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